The fishbowl

We live in cul-de-sac right in the middle at the end. It's like a fishbowl at times. We have a large front window and sometimes we watch the fish and other times we are the fish. It's an odd feeling to be the fish. I know that I have been caught on more than one occasion dancing to a good song in the living room only to look up and discover a neighbor visiting with another neighbor facing my direction! I know a no regret life says dance like no one is watching but seriously! That is not something I want to subject my neighbors to.

Living with our houses all facing each other is fun and interesting. But there is one thing I have discovered.

Well there is lots I have discovered but you just get one today.

I need to be intentional about the way I live. I fall short constantly but it gives me purpose. We are being watched wherever we go. The grocery store, the mall, parks, schools and even church. It's easier to be on our best behavior there. But at home, the place where we let our hair down, well that's another story. If my neighbors have any preconceived notions about a mid-large size family then I either prove those right or I prove them wrong. They get to see it all.

If I believe that children are a gift from God then I need to live that way. I want my neighbors to see me enjoying my kids and being grateful for my gifts. Not just when I am schooling them or playing with them behind closed doors when no one is watching.

I think we have some pretty good parents in this neighborhood. Dad and moms alike are all out at different times playing with their kids and enjoying them. In the society in which we live it's nice to see that many families living that way in one place.

Feel like the song "What a Wonderful World" should be playing in the background?

Enjoy your day and your gifts whatever or whomever they may be. I am going to try and do the same.